Approval Rating: Mike Tolbert - 2012 Redux

by Wonko on Feb 10, 2012 9:00 AM PST in San Diego Chargers Approval Ratings

Just over a year ago, I asked for the good readers here at Bolts From the Blue to give an approval rating on the Chargers runningback. To my surprise, Mike Tolbert ended up with the highest approval rating of any player that I did an approval rating post for. That includes Philip Rivers. A year later some things have changed.

The first thing that's changed is his contract status. Last year he was a restricted free agent, this year he'll be an unrestricted free agent. Because of the lockout teams didn't even get a chance to bid on restricted free agents last offseason, but this year Tolbert's services will be offered up to the highest bidder (barring a lucrative contract extension offered by the Chargers before March 13). So, one could interpret the poll that follows as a way to say, "Yes, I approve of the way Mike Tolbert is handing his job as a Chargers Runningback and I'd like to have him back next year."

The other thing that changed is his production. In 2010, Tolbert and fellow RB Ryan Mathews both had 5 fumbles on the season. This year he cut that down to only 2 fumbles over 175 touches vs. those 5 over 207 touches in 2010. Those touches numbers also show that he was used less. However, it resulted in 923 yards in 2011 vs. 951 the previous season, which isn't that big of a difference. DVOA-wise that came out to -0.8% for 2011 vs. -1.9% in 2011. Those negative numbers look bad, but considering that he's a backup RB, a special teams standout and the best pass backfield pass protector, it's not bad to be a little below average with the ball in his hands. Plus, sometimes that's not all his fault, it's 3rd and 10 and the only successful outcome is to get those 10 yards, he's being set up to fail more times than not.

Offensively, Tolbert is not a standout. He's solid. He does make some special teams tackles on kick coverage and he's able to do pass protection. But, when RBs that have back-to-back years with double digit touchdown numbers and almost 1,000 combined yards per season as a primary backup, they tend to expect a big raise. Can the approval rating stay as high when we consider the idea of paying Mike Tolbert a heftier wage?

Mike Tolbert

#35 / Fullback / San Diego Chargers

Height: 5-9

Weight: 243

Born: Nov 23, 1985

College: Coastal Carolina

		Rushing						Receiving
	G	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD	Rec	Yds	Y/G	Avg	Lng	TD
2011 - Mike Tolbert	15	121	490	32.7	4	40	8	54	433	28.9	8	27	2

All VOA, DVOA, YAR and DYAR statistical values are developed, calculated and reported by Football Outsiders. Their explanation can be found here.

Poll

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Mike Tolbert is handling his job as a Running Back for the San Diego Chargers?

Approve

444 votes

Disapprove

57 votes

501 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 18 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I hate how the whole team could fall apart this year...

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by Superduperboltman on Feb 10, 2012 9:49 AM PST reply actions

It felt like that last year too

but they made a lot of short term signings (at least that’s what it felt like) and the lockout actually helped.

by Ferguson1015 on Feb 10, 2012 9:58 AM PST up reply actions

I like Tolbert

For what he does. I wouldn’t want him to be our #1 back (or get paid like one), but I like his versatility. Him and Hester are fairly similar except Tolbert gets more touches on Offense and doesn’t seem like he is as good as Hester on Special Teams.

by Ferguson1015 on Feb 10, 2012 10:00 AM PST reply actions

Agree 100%

I’d like to see him back but not at a premium since we have other glaring holes to fill on the roster. Hopefully they can sign him to a reasonable contract. It should be noted he adds alot of leadership and has been a good mentor for RM24, which provides some added value.

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by Natrone Means Business on Feb 10, 2012 10:47 AM PST up reply actions

Tolbert is going to want some paper so I presume he is gone, and he may have to potential to really contribute somewhere and he certainly is alot better player than we give him credit for. Brinkley may be able to prove he can fill that void for us if tolbert leaves he showed a flash of power and good hands on the few opportunities he played but tolbert is the least of our worries. VJ, Gaither, Hester should be our focus on offense……. My opinion. Best not let go of VJ, as much as people try to say he isn’t a, top wr what would Riv be without him? There chemistry is great….

BCoop

by Bleu on Feb 12, 2012 11:10 AM PST via Android app up reply actions

I like Tolbert, but he also drives me crazy

Maybe it’s just selective memory, but I feel like he tries to bounce runs outside too often.

by BORTZ on Feb 10, 2012 11:08 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

I think it's just that one really bad time...during the KC game?

that pretty much helped cost us a game when he tried to shake and bake instead of hitting the hole, and it cost us yards leading to a missed field goal.

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by Falawful on Feb 10, 2012 11:16 AM PST up reply actions

That was the patriots game where he fumbled after dancing behind the LoS

by Orz on Feb 10, 2012 11:20 AM PST up reply actions

God, I hate when he does that.

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by Richard Wade on Feb 12, 2012 8:45 PM PST up reply actions

Keep him

But only at the right price (backup type money)

by cameronm on Feb 10, 2012 12:15 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Why is Tolbert listed as a fullback?

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 10, 2012 12:48 PM PST reply actions

The Tolbert/Matthews controversy needs to end

If Matthews is on the team’s long term plans (a few more seasons) then, Tolbert needs to go. Having Matthews look over his shoulder all the time is not exactly healthy to his psychology. Also, as we saw this yr with the 2nd Denver game, sometimes even the Coaches are confused who should be in.
This along with Tolbert’s potential large raise will not be worth it.
Backup RBs are very available in the NFL, and Curtis Brinkley could possibly fill that void..

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by oasisman on Feb 10, 2012 2:07 PM PST reply actions

Tolbert doesn't just play as a backup RB

He also does a great job at special teams. Versatile players like him are not easy to find

If Halladay, Lee, and Hamels all break their arms while playing tag in the clubhouse, We'll be set

by suicide bunting is a sin on Feb 10, 2012 2:40 PM PST up reply actions

The guy's going to get a big raise

The Chargers are going to spend money shoring up their Defensive Line correct? I just think that’s money better spent….ah well, we’ll see what the Team does.

"After the first six minutes I was heavily winded"-Andrew Bynum

by oasisman on Feb 12, 2012 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

I don't think there is a controversy. It's pretty clear cut there is a starter and a platoon backup.

The platooning has been good for both IMO.

by Orz on Feb 10, 2012 3:01 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I agree entirely

also to comment on Oasisman’s post, I think that Tolbert adds much more than rushing value to the team. All-around guys like him and Hester, are what keep a team kicking. I think that when you have solid players holding the team up, all you have to do is add a few stars and a team can improve by leaps and bounds.

by Ferguson1015 on Feb 13, 2012 7:00 AM PST up reply actions